Police constables in Karnataka had threatened to go on a mass leave on June 4 to protest against increasing political interference, low salaries and poor working conditions.
Akhila Karnataka Police Mahasabha president Shashidhar Venugopal was arrested last night, for provoking the police constables to protest against the state government and police department superior officers.
Shashidhar, who was the front runner and planner of the police protest, was immediately produced before the magistrate and sent to judicial custody till June 16. Following his arrest on Wednesday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister G Parameshwara conducted a meeting with police senior officers.
A case has been lodged against Shashidhar at the Yelahanka police station under IPC sections 124A-sedition, 120 B-party to a criminal conspiracy and 109- punishment of abetment, along with section 4 police forces (restriction of rights) act 1966.
With police constables in Karnataka threatening to go on a mass leave on June 4, the state government on Wednesday invoked Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) to prevent it. ESMA is an act of Parliament which was established to ensure the delivery of certain essential services, which if obstructed would affect the normal life of the people.
According to reports, over 30, 000 constables of the total 60, 000 have already applied for leave on June 4, prompting the state government to jump into action. The cops are reportedly going on a mass casual leave in protest against increasing political interference, low salaries and poor working conditions.
Earlier, the Director General of Police (DGP) Om Prakash had reportedly issued a circular, warning the constables of dire consequences, if they go on mass casual leave.
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